Glen Ord already appeared in the Special Releases in 2020, as an 18 year old from freshly charred hogsheads.
This year’s bottling as part of the 2025 Special Releases is a combination of two parcels. On the one hand there are refill casks finished for five years in second fill sherry butts. On the other hand we have refill casks that matured further in ex-mezcal casks for three years.
The Singleton of Glen Ord 17 yo ‘Into the Blue’ (56,2%, OB Special Releases 2025, second fill sherry and mezcal finish)
Nose: fairly rounded. Honeyed pears come out, along with golden raisins and some baked apple. After this initial impression it gets drier, with a vegetal edge and some aromatic spice. A little chilli, dried rosemary and some roasted elements, as well as some soaked grains. Then light nutmeg and candied lemon peels.
Mouth: quite a sweet onset, with more honey and apples, as well as some peach and sultanas. After that it becomes a little bittersweet, with a firm earthy side and a clear saltiness. Green pepper, hints of roasted agave and ginger, along with savoury elements like tapenade and white pepper. The mezcal influence stands out and even takes over the usually fruity Glen Ord spirit.
Finish: medium to long, still quite earthy and savoury, with peppery notes, leather and mezcal smoke on top of orchard fruits.
A bit of a hybrid whisky, hard to pin down. Rather intruiging because it allows so much of the mezcal to shine through. Never classic or perfectly harmonious, never boring either. Overall certainly an outsider, but I quite like it. Already available from retailers like The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt, as well as many local retailers.